U-Joint

Replace universal joint(s) on the driveshaft of a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including driveshaft removal, U-joint replacement, and reinstallation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Universal joint (U-joint) × 1 — Use OEM specification or premium aftermarket
• U-joint strap hardware kit if damaged × 1 — OEM replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and place transmission in Park.
2. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners to provide clearance for driveshaft removal.
3. Allow exhaust system to cool completely if vehicle was recently driven.
4. Inspect driveshaft for signs of fluid contamination from transmission or differential seals before proceeding.
5. Verify replacement U-joint matches OEM specifications for bearing cap diameter and overall width.

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark driveshaft alignment
   Using paint marker or center punch, mark the relationship between the driveshaft and the differential yoke/flange at the rear, and the driveshaft and transmission output flange at the front. Mark both the shaft and mating components in at least two locations 180 degrees apart to ensure correct phasing during reinstallation. Also mark the relationship between the driveshaft halves if equipped with a center support bearing.
2. 2

   Remove rear driveshaft connection
   Remove the bolts or U-joint straps connecting the driveshaft to the rear differential yoke. Support the rear of the driveshaft with one hand while removing the final fasteners. If equipped with bolts through CV-style flanges, remove the CV bolts. If equipped with U-joint straps, remove strap bolts evenly. Lower the rear of the driveshaft slightly and push forward to clear the differential yoke.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Bolts79 Nm (58 lb-ft)

   Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

   CV Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front driveshaft connection
   Move to the front of the driveshaft and remove the bolts connecting it to the transmission output flange. Support the driveshaft weight and remove the final bolts. Carefully slide the driveshaft rearward and downward to remove from vehicle. If equipped with a slip yoke at the transmission, mark the insertion depth before sliding out and be prepared to catch any fluid spillage.
   ⚠Driveshaft is heavy and awkward. Use caution when removing to avoid injury or damage to vehicle components.
   Torque spec

   Driveshaft Bolts79 Nm (58 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Inspect and identify failed U-joint
   Place driveshaft on clean workbench. Rotate each U-joint by hand to check for binding, rough spots, or excessive play. Check for rust staining indicating seal failure. Identify which U-joint requires replacement. Inspect yokes for wear, cracks, or damage that would require driveshaft replacement rather than U-joint service.
5. 5

   Remove U-joint snap rings
   Using snap ring pliers, remove the internal or external snap rings retaining the U-joint bearing caps in the yoke. There are typically four snap rings per U-joint (one per bearing cap). Clean the snap ring grooves with wire brush and inspect for damage. Note the snap ring orientation and type for reassembly.
6. 6

   Press out old U-joint
   Position the yoke in a U-joint press or use a bench vise with appropriate socket adapters. Press one bearing cap out by applying pressure to the opposite cap, using a socket slightly smaller than the bearing cap to push against it, and a larger socket to receive the cap being pressed out. Once one cap is partially out, remove it with pliers. Rotate the driveshaft 180 degrees and press the cross through the yoke to remove the opposite bearing cap. Repeat for remaining two caps.
   ⚠Apply pressure slowly and evenly. Excessive force or misalignment can damage the yoke ears. If cap does not move with moderate pressure, tap yoke ears lightly with dead blow hammer and retry.
7. 7

   Clean yoke bearing bores
   Thoroughly clean the bearing cap bores in the yoke using wire brush and solvent. Remove all rust, debris, and old grease. Inspect bores for galling, cracks, or excessive wear. Check that snap ring grooves are clean and undamaged. The bearing caps must slide smoothly in the bores for proper U-joint installation.
8. 8

   Prepare new U-joint
   Remove new U-joint from packaging and verify it matches the old joint dimensions. Most U-joints come with bearing caps loosely installed and may be held with plastic retainers. Remove one bearing cap, leaving three caps in place to retain the needle bearings. Do not allow the cross to separate from the remaining caps or needle bearings may fall out.
9. 9

   Install new U-joint
   Insert the U-joint cross into the yoke from the side where you removed the first bearing cap, ensuring proper orientation. Start one bearing cap into its bore by hand, ensuring it aligns squarely. Using the U-joint press or C-clamp with sockets, press the bearing cap in until it is far enough to install the snap ring. Install the snap ring, ensuring it seats fully in its groove. Repeat for the opposite bearing cap, pressing it in while pushing the cross through. Install its snap ring. Then install the remaining two bearing caps on the other axis of the yoke.
   ⚠Ensure bearing caps are pressed in straight and the cross moves freely. Cocked bearing caps will bind. The cross should rotate smoothly in all directions after snap rings are installed.
10. 10

    Verify U-joint installation
    After all snap rings are installed, check that each snap ring is fully seated in its groove with no gaps. Test the U-joint by rotating it through its full range of motion in all directions. It should move smoothly without binding or excessive play. Check that the cross is centered in the yoke with equal bearing cap protrusion on both sides. If binding occurs, disassemble and inspect for misaligned needle bearings.
11. 11

    Reinstall driveshaft to transmission
    Carefully lift the driveshaft into position. If equipped with a slip yoke, lubricate the splines lightly with transmission fluid and insert to the marked depth. Align the front of the driveshaft with the transmission output flange using your alignment marks. Start all bolts by hand before tightening any. Torque the driveshaft bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Bolts79 Nm (58 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect rear driveshaft
    Align the rear of the driveshaft with the differential yoke using your alignment marks. Ensure the U-joint or CV flange is properly seated. Install the strap bolts or CV bolts, starting all fasteners by hand. If using U-joint straps, ensure they are positioned correctly over the bearing caps. Torque the fasteners to specification in an even cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Driveshaft Bolts79 Nm (58 lb-ft)

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

    CV Bolts64 Nm (47 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Check driveshaft rotation
    With vehicle still on jack stands and transmission in neutral (with parking brake off), manually rotate the driveshaft through several complete rotations. Listen and feel for any binding, clicking, or roughness. Verify all fasteners are tight and no components interfere with driveshaft rotation. Check clearance to exhaust, frame, and body components throughout the rotation.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all torque specifications have been met, particularly driveshaft connection bolts and U-joint strap fasteners.
2. Verify alignment marks on driveshaft match original positions at both front and rear connections.
3. Ensure no tools or parts have been left in the work area under the vehicle.

Verification

• Lower vehicle to ground and start engine. Listen for any unusual noises from driveline area.
• Test drive vehicle at various speeds (25 mph, 45 mph, 65 mph) to check for vibrations. Any vibration indicates improper phasing or balance issues.
• Check for clunking during acceleration and deceleration which would indicate loose fasteners or failed U-joint installation.
• Re-torque all driveshaft fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving to account for settling.
• If excessive vibration occurs at specific speeds, have driveshaft professionally balanced.

More procedures for this vehicle